Ruling Allows FAA to Regulate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Recent Ruling Allows The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) To Regulate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, a.k.a. “Drones”

A recent ruling by the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) supports the FAA’s position that the FAA can apply federal aircraft regulations to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (“UAVs”).

On Monday November 24, 2014 the NTSB found that FAA rules should apply to the operation of UAVs. Current FAA rules state that “any aircraft that flies more than 400 feet above the ground must be governed by its rules.” Note that model airplanes avoid regulation by being restricted to flying below the 400 foot limit. The NTSB has determined that the FAA will be responsible for governing aircraft, unmanned aircraft, remote controlled aircraft, and any and all combinations or permutations.

Regulations regarding the operation of UAVs continues to be a new and developing area of law. Given the practical applications that UAVs can have in the agricultural sector, this is an area of law that will require continued attention to ensure regulatory compliance with a changing landscape.

For more information regarding Ag law and the recent ruling on unmanned aerial vehicles, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.